The District

As part of the Columbia Missouri’s bicentennial celebration and a broader effort to strengthen downtown’s sense of place, The District Master Plan was developed to guide placemaking and revitalization efforts across key neighborhoods. Arcturis led the planning process, focusing on landscape design, sculptural elements, lighting strategies, and community engagement. This comprehensive vision aimed to highlight the unique character of each part of downtown while establishing a unified identity for The District.

A major feature of the plan is the Gateway Plaza, positioned at the western entry into The District. The centerpiece of this landscaped space is a large sculptural installation spelling out COLUMBIA in lifesize letters. The letter ‘O’ takes the form of a globe, etched with stories, symbols, and images that commemorate the city’s history and milestones. Simultaneously, three illuminated light hubs were designed and installed in the Sharp End Neighborhood, North Village Arts District, and Flat Branch Park. Suspended above the street on cables, these globe-like sculptures were created in collaboration with local and national artists and reflect the distinct identity of each location.

Together, the Gateway Plaza and light hubs serve as welcoming beacons and interactive landmarks that express the city’s heritage and community pride. Visitors are invited to explore and engage with these installations, which function both as gateways and destinations in their own right. Through thoughtful design and inclusive community collaboration, the project reinforces Columbia’s downtown cultural identity and celebrates its dynamic past, present, and future.